Joseph Driscoll on Housing

This Scorecard reflects votes from the 2003-2004 legislative session. Click here for the 2005-2006 Scorecard.

Vote selection and interpretation by representatives of Mass Scorecard without approval or participation from the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Voted NO on rejecting $25M earmarked for Housing Trust Fund.
Platform indicates voting NO in Part VII: Housing:Urban Investment.

Gov. Romney vetoed a budget line item (“Section 239”) which would earmark $25 million for the Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund. The $25 million came from a one-time sale of surplus properties. Romney recommended placing the money into the General Fund instead. A no vote would maintain the earmark of the $25 million while a yes vote would agree with Romney’s amendment.

Relevant platform section: Urban Investment: We back the establishment of community development banks and recognize the vital role of community-based development organizations in providing affordable housing.

Vote on an amendment which would reject two sections of MGL Chapter 40B. The first section to be rejected would require affordable dwelling units in 10% of every residential development (limited to residents below 80 of the area median income). The second section to be rejected would earmark state aid for a municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Relevant platform section:Part VII: Housing: Housing: "We believe the public sector has a vital role to play in the provision of safe, affordable, and fair housing. We recognize a crisis in housing costs across the Commonwealth, and we advocate a heightened priority for affordability initiatives."